Guilford Marine Vessel Gets Green Light for Repowering

On Monday, the Guilford Board of Selectmen gave the thumbs‑up to a $117,689 contract that will finally replace the aging engines on the town’s fire‑department boat. The vessel, about 11 years old, and its twin motors have been showing their wear after a decade of pounding the Long Island Sound, so the upgrade has been a long‑time wish of the department.

Fire Chief Michael Shove explained that the boat sees roughly 15‑20 calls a year – everything from stranded kayakers to small‑craft emergencies. “It’s not a glamorous job, but it’s essential,” he said, noting that routine upkeep already runs $2,500 to $5,000 annually for things like bottom paint and motor tune‑ups.

Enter the federal port‑security grant, which, for the third time, stepped in to shoulder a large chunk of the bill. Thanks to that money, Guilford’s out‑of‑pocket expense drops to $42,375. Deputy Fire Marshal and Assistant Chief of Operations Clint Haverkampf highlighted how the grant makes the project feasible, especially since only one contractor submitted a bid.

First Selectman Matt Hoey asked about the recurring maintenance costs during the meeting, prompting a quick rundown of the $2,500‑$5,000 range. The selectmen, after a brief discussion, voted unanimously to move forward – a clear signal that the town values the safety net the marine unit provides to residents and visitors alike.

Work is slated to begin later this summer, with the expectation that the newly‑repowered boat will be back on the water before the next peak season. For a community that lives so close to the Sound, having a reliable marine rescue asset isn’t just a nice‑to‑have; it’s a lifeline.